Reuters | Boeing Co. is likely to bid in the U.S. Air Force refueling plane competition, but its goal is not simply to underbid rival EADS, which could have an advantage because it receives government subsidies, Boeing’s Chief Executive said on Thursday.

“This can be a dangerous situation for Boeing. We have to bid responsibly,” James McNerney said on a webcast of an analyst conference.

“Airbus could win this thing on price,” he said, referring to the
EADS unit.

At stake is a U.S. Air Force contract worth up to $50 billion to build
179 new aerial refueling planes. Boeing has said it intends to bid
despite concerns that EADS could have a price advantage.